Student Handbook
2007 - 2008
August 28, 2007
DIAMOND
ELEMENTARY
HANDBOOK
2007 – 2008
DIAMOND R-IV SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mr. Mark Mayo, Superintendent
P.O. Box 68 - 601 South Main
Diamond, Missouri 64840
417-325-5186
Diamond High School
Ms. Trish Wilson, Principal
417-325-5188
Diamond Middle School
Mr. Danny Dewitt, Principal
417-325-5336
Diamond Elementary School
Mrs. Melissa Massey, Principal
417-325-5189
Diamond Elementary
School Creed
Today, I will do my best to be my best.
I will come to school, listen, and work hard.
I will follow directions, do my work, and learn.
I will be responsible for my own actions.
I will respect others and myself.
I will treat others the way I like to be treated.
I will be a good student. I will SUCCEED!
Today, I will do my best to be my best.
I am proud to be a Diamond Wildcat!
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Diamond Elementary School Creed
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES
AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES
BUS TRANSPORTATION
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
CHANGE OF RESIDENCE
CLASS PARTIES
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
DISCIPLINE
DRESS CODE
ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWALS
FIELD TRIPS
GRADING SCALE
HEALTH INFORMATION
ILLNESS
IMMUNIZATION
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
MEAL PRICES
MEDICINE
MOVING
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND SCREENINGS
PTSA
PHONE CALLS
RECESS POLICIES
RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION
RETENTION
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS
SELLING
STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
STUDENT RECORDS
TEACHER REQUESTS
TOYS AT SCHOOL
VISITORS
WALKERS
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES
Attendance is crucial for student success.
• If a student is absent from school, please try to contact the
school prior to 9:00 a.m. This insures that, for the safety of the
student, their whereabouts are known.
• Excused absences are for illness, injury, medical or dental
appointments or a family death or illness.
• Students missing more than two consecutive school days will be
contacted if notice has not been received as to the
circumstances.
• Attendance will be monitored closely by the classroom teacher and
the office and parents will be contacted if a concern arises over
the number of absences a student has acquired.
• Ten unexcused absences in one semester will be reported to DFS
and Juvenile Court for their action.
• Any student missing 20 days during a semester may be a candidate
for retention.
• Please send a note with your child when they return to school
stating the reason for the absence.
• Students will be given one day for every day absent to make up
and turn in work. Parents may request school work for home.
Requests will be made prior to noon and picked up in the office at
the end of school.
• Students are tardy if they are not in their classrooms when the
8:15 bell rings.
• When a student arrives late from an appointment, they must check
in at the office.
• If the student is returning from an absence from the day before,
a note should be given to the classroom teacher stating the reason
for the absence. The teacher will keep track of student tardies in
the classroom.
• Students are not to leave before dismissal, if at all possible.
Leaving early disrupts the classroom and end-of-day directions. If
a student is to leave school for any reason, the parent must come
to the office and ask for the student.
AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES
For the safety of all students, please send a note or call the
school office if there is any change in your student's normal
school procedure.
• Without this notification, students will be sent home by normal
procedures.
• Students are not permitted to stay after school, go to other
homes or places, or ride other busses, without notification from
the parent or guardian.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
The safety of our students is of the utmost importance. All
possible safety precautions will be taken while transporting our
students.
• For the safety of all bus riders, rules of conduct must be
obeyed.
• Video cameras are sometimes used on busses by the district.
• When bus rules are not followed by students, a disciplinary
report is written up by the bus driver and given to the
transportation director. The transportation director will talk with
the child and a copy of the report is sent to the parent.
• Disorderliness on the school bus will not be tolerated. It
becomes a safety hazard. Therefore, if a student cannot comply with
the safety regulations, they will be denied the privilege of riding
the bus.
• The Department of Education established a one-mile limit for
transporting students to and from school. However, the school
district can establish pick-up points if the school bus does not
deviate from the route.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Defacing, marring, or otherwise damaging school property such as
restrooms, halls, fence or classrooms will not be tolerated.
Punishments will include one or more of the items listed under the
heading of DISCIPLINE.
CHANGE OF RESIDENCE
If you change your address, home telephone number, or work number,
please notify the secretary as soon as possible.
CLASS PARTIES
Three parties will be held each year. Room mothers will provide
refreshments, favors, and games for the Fall, Christmas and
Valentine’s Parties.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
(Missouri Safe Schools Act) See School Board Policy JGA
Corporal punishment, as a measure of correction or of maintaining
discipline and order in schools, is permitted. It shall be used
only when all other alternative means of discipline have failed,
and then only in reasonable form and upon the recommendation of the
principal. Corporal punishment will only be used upon parent
approval/contact.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Directory information is information contained in an education
record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful
or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The school district
designates the following items as directory information: Students
name; parent’s name; date of birth; grade level; enrollment date;
enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time); participation in
school-based activities and sports; weight and height of members of
athletic teams; dates of attendance; honors and awards received;
artwork or coursework displayed by the district; most recent
previous school attended; and photographs, videotapes, digital
images and recorded sound unless such photographs, video tapes,
digital images and recorded sound would be considered harmful or an
invasion of privacy.
DISCIPLINE
Disciplinary problems will be handled in accordance with School
Board policies JG, building regulations, and the Missouri Safe
Schools Act (Policy attached). These policies, regulations and
procedures will apply to all students in attendance in district
instructional and support programs as well as at school sponsored
activities. ALL DISTRICT STAFF have the responsibility and are
required to enforce policies, regulations and procedures in a
manner that is fair and developmentally appropriate and considers
the student and the individual circumstances involved
Student’s Responsibility: Students are expected to come to school in a positive frame of mind and be ready to actively cooperate and participate in educational activities.
Parent’s Responsibility: Parents are expected to support efforts of the school and to maintain an attitude of expected good behavior from their child/children.
Teacher’s Responsibility: Teachers have the authority and responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for internal governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal. The Board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom.
Building Principal’s Responsibility: Building principals are responsible for the development of additional regulations and procedures regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their supervision.
The following list includes examples of student behavior that
violates school policy and students may be disciplined or suspended
for any of the following:
• Possession, transmission, and/or use of tobacco, drugs, or
alcohol.
• Disrespect or insubordination.
• The use of improper language.
• Fighting.
• Inappropriate display of affection.
• Rowdy behavior such as pushing and shoving.
• Leaving a classroom or school grounds without permission.
• Vandalizing, damaging, or stealing school or private
property.
• Threatening, intimidating, or causing bodily harm to any
person.
• Weapons (as described in the Missouri State Schools Act).
Students who bring weapon to school will be expelled for a period
of one year. The superintendent of schools may modify this
expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The minimum punishment shall be
a parent conference and the maximum shall be one year
expulsion.
• Off-campus misconduct that adversely affects the educational
climate will also be subject to these policies, regulations and
procedures. Students who have been charged, convicted or pled
guilty in a court of general jurisdiction for commission of a
felony may be suspended in accordance with law.
Stages of Discipline:
Positive experiences are the results of effective teamwork. School
provides a wonderful example of this as parents and teachers merge
to make a team that benefits the student. Communication becomes the
key to success. When questions arise, do not hesitate to contact
the teacher and discuss the issues at hand. With everyone working
together, we all benefit.
STAGE 1: Classroom Discipline
• Teacher/student conference
STAGE 2: Phone Call or Note Home
• Parents will be notified by the teacher by phone if their child
is disobedient.
• If no phone is available, a note will be sent home. The note will
be signed by the parent and returned the following day.
STAGE 3: Principal Office Visit
• The student is sent to the principal’s office.
• EACH time a student is referred to the office a note will be sent
home with the student.
• The student note must be signed by the parent/guardian and
returned to school the next day. If the note is not returned, the
parent will be contacted and the student will miss recess for the
day. The note will need to be returned to school the following
day.
STAGE 4: Parent Conference/In-School Suspension
• Parents will be notified by the principal and a parent conference
will be set when child continues to misbehave.
STAGE 5: Out of School Suspension
• Students may be suspended for up to 10 school days.
• School suspension will be for the students who continue to
display prohibited behaviors.
EXCEPTION: Fighting or disrespect toward anyone or school property will be cause for immediate promotion to Stage 3.
DRESS CODE
Dress and appearance shall not in any way cause a distraction or
interfere with the education program, shall be in keeping with that
generally accepted by the community as being in good taste, and
shall not present a health or safety hazard. The principal reserves
the rights to determine if attire is in good taste/appropriate. If
the dress code is violated, parents will be called to bring a
change of clothes.
• Clothing worn is not to be suggestive or indecent.
• Jewelry, chains, etc. that are disruptive to the educational
process or that could be considered dangerous and could injure
someone if used as a weapon, or could be damaging to property, will
not be allowed at school.
• Hats/Bandannas and sunglasses are not to be worn in the school
building.
• Athletic shorts, bicycle shorts, and muscle shirts are not
acceptable.
• Shorts, in good taste, may be worn when the weather is
appropriate.
• Shorts and miniskirts must be fingertip length (approximately
mid-thigh) when student is standing straight.
• Tank tops, tube tops, spaghetti strap dresses or tops or
strapless dresses without a covering shirt, blouse, or jacket are
considered inappropriate.
• Shirts must cover the entire torso at all times, even in
movement.
ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWALS
Students must be officially enrolled through the school office
before they can attend classes.
• Parents of kindergarten children must present verification of the
date of birth of the child at the time of registration.
• All students new to the district must supply an immunization
record. Student immunizations must be current or students will not
be allowed to enroll.
• When you are planning on withdrawing your child, the office needs
at least one day's notice in order to prepare records.
FIELD TRIPS
Students will be going on field trips throughout the school
year.
• A blanket permission slip will be sent home with each student at
the beginning of the year to cover all field trips. This slip must
be signed and returned in order for your child to attend.
• A reminder note from the classroom teacher will be sent home
prior to each scheduled date.
• If for some reason you do not want your child to attend a
particular field trip after signing the form, parents must contact
the office.
• Students will ride the bus to and from the trip unless
pre-approved arrangements have been made.
GRADING SCALE
The grading system in grades K-4 is based on the following scale
percentages.
A 94-99 C 74-76
A- 90-93 C- 70-73
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 84-86 D 64-66
B- 80-83 D- 60-63
C+ 77-79 F 0-59
• Student's grades are based on their academic performance.
• Student's grades will not be penalized for disciplinary
matters.
• Grades will be determined by points accumulated on assignments,
class contribution and participation, and tests.
• The total points accumulated will be used to assign quarter
grades.
• Semester grades will be the average of the two quarters in a
given semester.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Student health information is a type of student record that is
particularly sensitive and protected by numerous state and federal
laws. Student health information shall be protected from
unauthorized, illegal or inappropriate disclosure by adherence to
the principles of confidentiality and privacy. The information
shall be protected regardless of whether the information is
received orally, in writing or electronically and regardless of the
type or record or method of storage.
ILLNESS
Students who become ill during the school day will get permission
from the teacher to go to the health nurse who will make the
decision on further action.
• Remember, an emergency telephone number where parents can be
reached and the name and telephone number of the student's family
doctor must be on file at the school.
• Routine head checks for head lice will be conducted.
1. Children having nits or head lice will not be allowed to remain
at school.
2. The child will need to be checked by the School Nurse to be
allowed to return to school.
IMMUNIZATION
The State of Missouri requires that students be properly immunized
on or before the first day of school or the child will not be able
to attend.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Any child whose conduct continues to be disruptive after other
means of modification have failed, may be given In-School
Suspension. A pupil who is a danger to him/herself or others, who
causes a severe disruption, who interferes with the learning of
him/herself or others, or who consistently disregards school
regulations may serve ISS.
MEAL PRICES
Regular Reduced/Free
Breakfast $.75 $.30
Lunch $1.15 $.40
A breakfast and lunch program is provided for those students who
desire the service.
• Students may bring their lunch and buy milk to drink.
• There will be no breakfast charges.
• Lunch charges will be minimal and must be kept paid weekly.
• Kindergarten will have afternoon milk which can not be charged.
The cost for this is $.25 daily. Envelopes for lunch/milk monies
are provided. These are to be brought on the first school day of
each week. Parents are encouraged to pay weekly. Credits will be
refunded if money is not used.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE ELIGIBILITY FORMS PROVIDED. Food service is a
vital part of a child's nutritional well-being. If help is needed
filling out the appropriate forms, the school may help with this.
If you qualify for the lunch program but do not wish to
participate, please fill out the form and indicate you do not wish
to participate, but please return the form.
MEDICINE
For medication given at school, the parent or guardian must
authorize medication or treatment in writing. The request must
contain:
1. Child's name
2. Name of the medication
3. Time of day to be given and dosage
4. Signature of parent and/or physician
5. Daily supply of medication in original container
• All medication must be turned in to the school nurse or teacher
at the beginning of the school day.
• For any medication to be given at school, a form supplied by the
nurse must be completed. The direct phone number to the nurses
office is 325-6484.
• Emergency treatment will be performed in each individual case in
order to prevent undue pain or serious consequences.
MOVING
When you are planning to move to another school district, please
notify the school as soon as possible. The teacher and office need
advance notice in order to get grades, records, and transfer papers
completed. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act, records are disclosed only to those listed under
99.31. Parents wishing to see their child's records should contact
the elementary office. Diamond R-IV has the right under this act to
transfer transcript information to another educational facility
upon request without a parent signature.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND SCREENINGS
“Screening” is the use of a procedure to examine a large population
to determine the presence of a health condition or risk factor to
identify those who need further evaluation. Screening tests for
various health conditions (such as vision, hearing and scoliosis)
will be conducted in accordance with administrative procedures.
Students may also be weighed and measured.
• Parents/Guardians will receive a written notice of any screening
result that indicates a condition that might interfere with a
student’s progress or health.
• The school district will not conduct physical examinations of a
student without parental consent to do so unless the health or
safety of the student or others is in question or unless by court
order.
• Parents will be notified of the specific or approximate dates
during the school year when any non-emergency, invasive physical
examination or screening administered by the district is conducted
that is:
1. Required as a condition of attendance.
2. Administered by the school and scheduled by the school in
advance.
3. Not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the
student or other students.
4. The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical
examination that involves the exposure of private body parts or any
act during such examination that includes incision, insertion or
injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision,
head lice or scoliosis screening.
5. Parents, or eligible students, will be given the opportunity to
opt out of the above-described non-emergency, invasive physical
examination or screening.
PTSA
The Diamond Parent Teacher Student Association has been highly
involved in improving our school. All parents are welcome to become
members and actively participate. Meetings are held once a month.
Students, grand-parents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors as
well as Mom and Dad are invited to join.
PHONE CALLS
Messages will be given to the student during the school day for
calls received though the office. Only emergency phone calls for
students will be permitted.
RECESS POLICIES
Fresh air and exercise are essential to good health.
• Weather permitting; students are given at least one recess daily.
Shorter outside recess times are scheduled on very cold days.
• Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather depend upon
the temperature and wind chill factor. If the temperature is below
32 degrees, the wind chill index is extremely uncomfortable, or if
there is inclement weather, recess will be inside.
• Students will have supervised free time in the classroom on days
when bad weather prevents outside recess.
• All students must be on the playground during outside recess.
• Only students with a doctor provided medical excuse will be
allowed to remain in the building during scheduled outside
breaks.
• Please make sure you child is dressed appropriately and has
sufficient outerwear for these cold days.
RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Unless there are parental objections, the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act allows for the release to outside sources of
directory information in regards to student data. The Diamond R-IV
School considers the following to be directory information: names,
addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, parents, and record
of height and weight. If you have an objection to any or all of the
above data being disclosed, please call the school.
Parent and Eligible Student Access
All parents will have the right to inspect their child’s education
records as allowed by law. As used in this policy, a “parent”
includes a biological or adoptive parent, a guardian or an
individual acting as a parent in the absence of a natural parent or
guardian. The district will extend the same rights to either
parent, regardless of divorce, custody or visitation rights, unless
the district is provided with evidence that the parent’s rights to
inspect records have been legally revoked. The rights of the
parents transfer to the student once the student turns 18, or
attends an institution of postsecondary education, in accordance
with law. If a parent or eligible student believes records related
to the student contain information that is inaccurate, misleading
or in violation of the student’s privacy, he or she may ask the
district to amend the record by following the appeals procedures
created by the superintendent or designee. Diamond R-IV provides
each parent a copy of the handbook and this shall serve as
notification of their rights.
Law Enforcement Access
The district may report or disclose education records to law
enforcement and juvenile justice authorities if the disclosure
concerns law enforcement’s or juvenile justice authorities’ ability
to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose
records are released. The officials and authorities to whom such
information is disclosed must comply with applicable restrictions
set forth in 20 U.S.C. ~ 1232g (b) (1) (E). If the district reports
a crime committed by a student with a disability as defined in the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the district
will transmit copies of the special education and disciplinary
records to the authorities to whom the district reported the crime.
Law enforcement officials also have access to directory information
and may obtain access to student education records in emergency
situations as allowed by law. Otherwise, law enforcement officials
must obtain a subpoena or consent from the parent or eligible
student before a student’s education records will be disclosed.
Children’s Division Access
The district may disclose education records to representatives of
the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services
when reporting child abuse and neglect in accordance with law. Once
the CD obtains custody of a student, CD representatives may also
have access to directory information and may obtain access to
student education records in emergencies, as allowed by law.
RETENTION
Promotions and retentions are based on an evaluation of academic,
physical, social and emotional growth. The primary reasons for
considering retention are:
1. Indifference or lack of effort on the part of a capable
student,
2. Physical or social immaturity, and
3. Frequent or long absences.
The following are guidelines for retention in grade K-4:
1. Written documentation of the different methods attempted to help
a student in difficulty must be on file in the student's cumulative
folder.
2. School personnel will suggest retention based upon attendance,
potential, achievement and age.
3. The parents/guardians will be notified that retention is under
consideration.
4. Contact between school and parents will be maintained for all
students under consideration for retention.
Near the end of the school year, the child's teacher(s),
principal, and other school personnel deemed appropriate will
review the complete record of the child.
1. The classroom teacher and principal will meet with the parent
prior to a final decision.
2. The final decision will rest with the principal.
3. The decision may be appealed by going to the Superintendent of
Schools and then the Board of Education.
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS
Should it become necessary to close school because of inclement
weather, it will be announced over the following media:
• Television Channels: 16, 12, and 7
• FM Radio Stations: 92.5, 93.9, 96.9, and 102.5
• AM Radio Stations: 860, 1310, 1420, 1490
If it should become necessary to cut the school day short because
of unsafe weather conditions, any after-school activities are
automatically canceled. Students are not to remain at the school
even if they wish to do so voluntarily.
SELLING
Selling is not permitted at school or on the busses unless approved
by the administration.
STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs
administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). A complaint is
a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or
regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by
school district personnel or by the administrator, school board
member, or other person directly involved with an activity,
program, or project operated under the general supervision of the
Department may file a complaint.
• Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide
specific details of the situation and indicate the law or
regulation that is allegedly being violated, misapplies, or
misinterpreted. The written, signed complaint must be filled and
the resolution pursued in accordance with local district policy KL.
If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant
may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Education. If
there is not evidence that the parties have attempted in good faith
to resolve the complaint at the local level, the Department may
require the parties to do so and many provide technical assistance
to facilitate such resolution.
• Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department
may file a similarly written complaint if they believe state or
federal laws or regulations have been violated, misapplied, or
misinterpreted by the Department itself.
• Anyone wishing more information about this procedure or how
complaints are resolved may contact local or district Department
personnel.
STUDENT RECORDS
(Board Policy JO)
In order to provide students with appropriate instruction and
educational services, it is necessary for the district to maintain
extensive and sometimes personnel information about students and
families. These records must be kept confidential in accordance
with law, but must also be readily available to district personnel
who need the records to effectively serve district students.
The superintendent or designee will provide for the proper
administration of students records in accordance with law, will
develop appropriate procedures for maintaining student records and
will standardize procedures for the collection and transmittal of
necessary information about individual students throughout the
district. The building principal shall assist the superintendent in
developing the student records system, maintaining and protecting
the records in his or her building and developing protocols for
releasing student education records. The superintendent or designee
will make arrangements so that all district employees are trained
annually on the confidentiality of student education records, as
applicable for each employee classification.
TEACHER REQUESTS
Parents may submit a request for a classroom teacher for their
child for the following school year. The requests will be reviewed
but there are ABSOLUTELY NO GAURANTEES the request will be
granted.
• The time period to file Teacher Requests will be MAY 1st – MAY
15th. After May 15th NO TEACHER REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• Teacher Requests Forms must be picked up from the office. (They
may only be picked up during the time period for requests.)
• In writing, the parent must state why they are requesting a
teacher for their child.
• Teacher requests will be kept confidential.
TOYS AT SCHOOL
DO NOT BRING TOYS TO SCHOOL.
• If a student is found playing with toys from home during school
hours, the teachers will take the toy and keep it until the end of
the semester.
VISITORS
Upon entering the building, each visitor will sign in at the
office.
• The visitor will be given a visitor badge. Upon leaving the
building, the visitor will report back to the office, sign out and
return the badge.
• Visitation with teachers should be done before 8:15 or after 3:07
so that disruptions to instructional time will be kept to a
minimum.
• Conferences with teachers should be made in advance, when
possible, by phoning the elementary office for an appointment.
• During school hours, if you need to speak with your child, the
office will call the room and the student will report to the
office.
WALKERS
Town students who live west of Highway 59 are to cross at the
school crossing supervised by the highway crossing guard. Parents
should help their children find the safest route to school.
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
• All Pets (Unless approved though teacher and bus driver for show
and tell.)
• Sharp Objects, Toy Guns, Baseballs, etc.
• Money (Please send only the money a child needs for the day.)
• Toys
• Electronic Devices (i.e. game boys, ipods, etc.)
